Pope Accepts Resignation of ‘Bishop of Bling’

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images(BERLIN) — A German Catholic bishop has resigned from his post after being summonsed to Rome for his lavishly spendthrift ways.

Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst from Limburg earned the nickname “bishop of bling” after it was revealed he spent more than $40 million to renovate his residence next to the Limburg Cathedral.

Tebartz-van Elst is also facing an indictment over making false statements in court over a lawsuit against German newsmagazine Der Spiegel, which reported he flew first class on Vatican business.

The bishop’s overspending didn’t go down well at the Vatican where Pope Francis has advocated for living a frugal lifestyle. The pope himself resides in the modest Vatican guest house rather than the sumptuous papal apartments.